Major setback for Indian Cricket Board as Bombay High Court orders BCCI to pay ₹538 Crore to kochi tuskers: Know the actual reason

Wed, 18 Jun 2025 19:38:04 GMT

The Bombay High Court has upheld the arbitral award directing the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to pay Rs 538 crore to the now-defunct Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Kochi Tuskers Kerala. The franchise was terminated by the BCCI in 2011 after playing just one season. The termination came after the team allegedly breached contract terms by failing to submit a required bank guarantee on time.

“The jurisdiction of this Court under Section 34 of the Arbitration Act is very limited. BCCI’s endeavor to delve into the merits of the dispute is in the teeth of the scope of the grounds contained in Section 34 of the Act. BCCI’s dissatisfaction as to the findings rendered in respect of the evidence and/or the merits cannot be a ground to assail the Award,” the court stated in its ruling, rejecting BCCI’s challenge to the arbitral decision.

Back in 2015, an arbitration panel had asked the BCCI to pay Rs 550 crore—including Rs 384 crore to Kochi Cricket Private Limited (KCPL) and Rs 153 crore to Rendezvous Sports—after ruling in the franchise's favor. The board later challenged this verdict in court. At the time, then IPL chairman Rajeev Shukla had said, “We have got arbitrator Lahoti’s report. The majority of the members are of the opinion of appealing against the arbitrator’s report. We are seeking legal opinion.”

Kochi Tuskers’ Short-Lived IPL Stint

The franchise, which was bought for a massive Rs 1,550 crore in 2010, defaulted on its annual payment the following year, prompting BCCI to terminate the contract. Kochi Tuskers then pursued legal recourse and ultimately won the case, resulting in the court ordering the BCCI to pay Rs 550 crore in compensation.

The Kochi Tuskers Kerala played one season in the IPL. They finished eighth out of ten in the points table, winning six of their fourteen league matches. Players such as Brad Hodge, Mahela Jayawardene, Brendon McCullum, and Ravindra Jadeja played for the team in their only season.

IPL 2025: BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla steps into calm Abhishek Sharma-Digvesh Rathi clash

Tue, 20 May 2025 14:32:20 GMT

In a sensational IPL 2025 game between Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on May 19, 2025, at Ekana Cricket Stadium, a fiery off-field battle between LSG spinner Digvesh Rathi and SRH batter Abhishek Sharma dominated the show. The event was during SRH's run chase of a 206-run target, when Rathi sent Sharma packing after the batter had belted a devastating 59 off 20 balls with six of them being sixes. Rathi’s signature “notebook” celebration, perceived as provocative, sparked a heated verbal exchange, escalating tensions on the field.

The altercation didn’t end there. Post-match, during the handshake, the two players continued their animated exchange, prompting LSG assistant coach Vijay Dahiya to intervene and reportedly slap Sharma to diffuse the situation. BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla stepped in as a peacemaker, engaging both players in a calm conversation during the presentation ceremony. Shukla's mediation was captured in viral visuals, and his attempts to bring about harmony were appreciated by his fans. The incident, though, did attract much attention, diverting one from SRH's six-wicket win that pushed LSG out of the playoff hunt.

The BCCI reacted quickly, laying down stringent disciplinary actions. Rathi, who committed the third breach of the IPL Code of Conduct during this season, was suspended for one game and fined 50% of his match fee. His prior offences against Punjab Kings and Mumbai Indians had already earned him five demerit points, triggering the ban. Sharma, facing his first violation, was fined 25% of his match fee. The incident sparked a memefest on social media, with fans poking fun at Rathi’s celebration and Sharma’s fiery retort, reportedly saying, “Choti kaat dunga” (I’ll chop off your hair).

Aftermath and Reactions

The incident clearly became the talk of the town, with former cricketer Suresh Raina criticising the behaviour of both Indian players throughout the commentary which, he says, was not ideal behaviour to set an example of. The various reactions and opinions made on social media were humourously bittersweet, as some people chastised the BCCI for taking heavy handed penalties with bowlers like Rathi, while others lauded Sharma's match-winning innings.

Also Read: Mumbai Indians announce key replacements for IPL 2025 Playoffs push

In due course, despite the incident, both players appeared to have gotten over it - footage showed them chuckling together post-game, showcasing proper sportsmanship. This incident illustrates how emotionally battery the IPL was - and this incident with Shukla also represents how serious the BCCI take proper behaviour in cricket.